Friday, July 25, 2008
Moving...
We are moving most of our stuff out of the apartment tomorrow.
The house is not packed up.
Do you think this will be a problem?
If not, what about the fact that the house we're putting it in isn't finished either? Problem?
NAH!
Today I pretty much finished the bedroom! HURRAY! I just need to sand and mop the final coat of poly-going-to-kill-you-thane and the floors will be beautifully done!
We would have the middle floor done by now but sander after sander keeps breakin' down. So, when we finish sanding the edges I'll be all over that floor with stain, like white on rice... but it'll be dark brown.
The kitchen is as ready as it's going to be for a while b/c the floor in there is low priority and there's no need to get the island just yet b/c we have to have some where to put all these boxes!
The front room....well... yea. It's there.
No, we did clean up the floors and they need another sanding and then will be ready for stain also, but we aren't staining them until we get the drywall up and painted... oh yea... about that....
We are thinking now we will connect the two front rooms around the fireplace... more demo! hurray! wait.
No, we are going to get an estimate from some contractors and probably hire them to do the demo and drywall... or atleast the drywall. We could do it but since we are going to be moved in, it would be nice to have some one do it who could finish it in a day or two!
The upstairs is also pretty ready to go but needs a floor... we are also looking for a good deal on having carpet installed with very little luck.
So... that's all....pretty much done aye? hmm
What do I want for dinner?
Drew's in Lexington setting up for the sale tomorrow and I should be packing but no thanks.
There is no food in the apartment b/c it's all packed away for or at the house.
So I've been trying to figure out what sounds appealing since I never get to go out to eat by myself.
Chick Fil A has always been my default but it doesn't sound appealing right now... I might just eat grilled cheese and then give the puppy face to Drew to take me to ice cream when he gets home.
We haven't really had a minute together. And, Graeters (local awesome ice cream that is similar to Braums in Texas but has better ice cream...sorry) is making up FRESH PEACH these days... I'm hoping it will taste like the peach that we got as a family on vaca sometimes from that peach stand that had all things peachy including soft serve peach icecream... I was like 8 and I have never forgotten that awesome cone of peachness!!! (and I dont even really like ice cream that much... I'd much rather cake or brownies..) So far, I haven't found anything that compares. If this does, I'll have to take my parents when they come in town..... speaking of... THEY ARE COMING TO VISIT!!!!
It's going to be crazy, but I'm so glad they are coming!!
They'll be here just in time for my mom to help me deep clean, put in shelf paper (which she is amazingly good at and I royally stink at) and unpack!! Luckily for them, they aren't staying with us so they will not have to be faced with the craziness all the time. I'm hoping it will be a good time to relax for all of us since Drew and I have not stopped since we closed on this house. Seriously, I don't think we've had a whole conversation since then.... but he just called and agreed to ice cream without the puppy dog eyes... this is a very good sign.
So, grilled cheese and zucchini... here I come!! Oh and I am going to get busy so Drew thinks I've been productive this whole time... JUST KIDDING... I just told him the same thing.... but I do need to get a few boxes packed!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Progress
I need to start this post with some praise.
Praise the Lord that he has provided us with friends who have selflessly given lots and lots of time to help us on our house. We had a couple that spent pretty much just as much time as we did in the house this weekend and it blessed our socks off. We couldn't do this without these people. Not to mention the fact that we don't know what we're doing and many of these people are semi-experts on home repair and all that jazz. We even had some guys who came by during the DAY when they were off work to keep sanding the floors. WOW. I can't believe these people and how they have loved us. It can only be the Lord because all good things and all provision flow from him... and why else would these people damage their brain cells and lungs for us?!
Thanks to each and every person that has helped in the house, given us food and drink, encouraged and packed along side of us... and for all of you who are praying for us as well! It's being answered!
That said, here are some photos.... it's been a slow process but after a longggg weekend you will see the progress. It's definitely not where we wanted it to be by now, but we were unrealistic because we didn't know that the floors would have hundreds of miniature staples and nails the pull up, that the sander would break (though we didn't get charged for that day..whew), that stain took a day to dry, that the doors wouldn't fit, that the plumbing leaks and that all that debris would be that nasty and heavy to get rid of... you get the idea! (now you know why I started with PRAISE!!)
These (above) are the pictures of all that was accomplished by Friday: appliances, more painting, cleared out a lot of rubble and cleaning up in general
This is pretty much how it looks right now. All the floors are sanded down, the bedroom received its first coat of stain (not as dark as it looks), we finally got out 99% of the junk in the front room and installed the front door and the kitchen it painted!! Things are coming along!! Tonight I'm staying home to pack while Drew and his peeps finish up any more sanding, stain and install stuff.
It definitely won't be ready by Saturday when we begin to move in... or by the 31st when we will completely move in... but I am learning not to have expectations. Everything will get done in time and any inconvenience is very minor considering the living conditions many millions of people live in around the world every day. It's been hard for me mostly because I begin to feel overwhelmed or let down by all that needs to be done and I miss having Drew all to myself and taking walks and relaxing. We haven't really let ourselves relax except for those precious hours of sleep at night.
Speaking of which, blogging is way to relaxing... and I have things to put on Craigslist and messes to clean up before my friends get here to help me... they will think this place is bad enough even after I tidy up! haha, this has all been a very humbling experience and also the best blessing.
Thanks again every one who has helped (like handyman and jack-of-all-trades Chris pictured above) and prayed for us! We couldn't and can't do this with out you!!!
Praise the Lord that he has provided us with friends who have selflessly given lots and lots of time to help us on our house. We had a couple that spent pretty much just as much time as we did in the house this weekend and it blessed our socks off. We couldn't do this without these people. Not to mention the fact that we don't know what we're doing and many of these people are semi-experts on home repair and all that jazz. We even had some guys who came by during the DAY when they were off work to keep sanding the floors. WOW. I can't believe these people and how they have loved us. It can only be the Lord because all good things and all provision flow from him... and why else would these people damage their brain cells and lungs for us?!
Thanks to each and every person that has helped in the house, given us food and drink, encouraged and packed along side of us... and for all of you who are praying for us as well! It's being answered!
That said, here are some photos.... it's been a slow process but after a longggg weekend you will see the progress. It's definitely not where we wanted it to be by now, but we were unrealistic because we didn't know that the floors would have hundreds of miniature staples and nails the pull up, that the sander would break (though we didn't get charged for that day..whew), that stain took a day to dry, that the doors wouldn't fit, that the plumbing leaks and that all that debris would be that nasty and heavy to get rid of... you get the idea! (now you know why I started with PRAISE!!)
These (above) are the pictures of all that was accomplished by Friday: appliances, more painting, cleared out a lot of rubble and cleaning up in general
This is pretty much how it looks right now. All the floors are sanded down, the bedroom received its first coat of stain (not as dark as it looks), we finally got out 99% of the junk in the front room and installed the front door and the kitchen it painted!! Things are coming along!! Tonight I'm staying home to pack while Drew and his peeps finish up any more sanding, stain and install stuff.
It definitely won't be ready by Saturday when we begin to move in... or by the 31st when we will completely move in... but I am learning not to have expectations. Everything will get done in time and any inconvenience is very minor considering the living conditions many millions of people live in around the world every day. It's been hard for me mostly because I begin to feel overwhelmed or let down by all that needs to be done and I miss having Drew all to myself and taking walks and relaxing. We haven't really let ourselves relax except for those precious hours of sleep at night.
Speaking of which, blogging is way to relaxing... and I have things to put on Craigslist and messes to clean up before my friends get here to help me... they will think this place is bad enough even after I tidy up! haha, this has all been a very humbling experience and also the best blessing.
Thanks again every one who has helped (like handyman and jack-of-all-trades Chris pictured above) and prayed for us! We couldn't and can't do this with out you!!!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Too Long
It's been too long my friends, too long.
Many a thing has happened since we last chatted and I am now here (thanks to an allergy attack that cancelled my morning run) to give you the update.
First of all I got a new job and then another and so now I'm working two jobs, which has really cut into my blogging time. With house renovations and a new semester of school, any extra cash is nice so I am working as the assistant I think I already told you about and I am filling in back at my old job at a cafe downtown. It's really not been too bad, especially since I already know the people and the ropes of the cafe and so even though it makes for a long day, it has been enjoyable.
We went to Duxbury, Massachusetts for the fourth of July where Drew's great aunt and her extended family live. It's just outside of Boston. Things you should know, she is 97 and you can be praying for her b/c she has a tumor in her jaw and is trying to regain strength at rehab to move back home. She lives in the house her parents built around 1900 right on an ocean inlet (is that a word?). It's an amazing place. She and her sister never married and travelled the world all their lives and so walking into their house is better than any antique mall I've ever been in.
Secondly, we closed on our house Tuesday!!! We have many many awesome friends who piled into the house that night and basically helped us destroy the inside of the house! haha. It really, literally, looked like a war-zone you see on CNN. In all the rooms they ripped out carpet and in the front room they also ripped out wood paneling, a dropped ceiling, and lots and lots of plaster (that we didn't know what there until face to face with it). They had the front door open and so much dust and junk was constantly billowing out of the door you couldn't even see in! The men that worked in here were black from head to toe, even though they wore masks. One friend in particular, Brandon, walked up to his wife, who was painting in the next room, and when she saw him she screamed and jumped! It was hilarious!!! These guys are so great and I am so thankful to them and for them because they diligently did the grosses job ever! (though I think many of them loved getting to destroy some one else's stuff! haha. Our other friend, Brian, has been telling us for weeks he is ready to tear down anything we will let him get his hands on! haha. All of us ladies (and some men) primed and painted the rooms. We got so much done in just the first day, it was amazing! Last night a lot of the same folks came out and helped us finish up the paint.... well, except in the front room... we are pretending it's not there until we know what to do with it... you'll see what I mean....
I thought about waiting and doing before, during and after pics all together, but that's too easy... you need to see it now I think so you can hold your breath with us to hope for great "after" pics in the weeks to come! This weekend we're sanding and re-staining floors....
**WARNING**
Some of the pictures that follow may be upsetting/worrisome to certain parental units... look with caution! =)
before
during (at least we found the fireplace?!)
Many a thing has happened since we last chatted and I am now here (thanks to an allergy attack that cancelled my morning run) to give you the update.
First of all I got a new job and then another and so now I'm working two jobs, which has really cut into my blogging time. With house renovations and a new semester of school, any extra cash is nice so I am working as the assistant I think I already told you about and I am filling in back at my old job at a cafe downtown. It's really not been too bad, especially since I already know the people and the ropes of the cafe and so even though it makes for a long day, it has been enjoyable.
We went to Duxbury, Massachusetts for the fourth of July where Drew's great aunt and her extended family live. It's just outside of Boston. Things you should know, she is 97 and you can be praying for her b/c she has a tumor in her jaw and is trying to regain strength at rehab to move back home. She lives in the house her parents built around 1900 right on an ocean inlet (is that a word?). It's an amazing place. She and her sister never married and travelled the world all their lives and so walking into their house is better than any antique mall I've ever been in.
Secondly, we closed on our house Tuesday!!! We have many many awesome friends who piled into the house that night and basically helped us destroy the inside of the house! haha. It really, literally, looked like a war-zone you see on CNN. In all the rooms they ripped out carpet and in the front room they also ripped out wood paneling, a dropped ceiling, and lots and lots of plaster (that we didn't know what there until face to face with it). They had the front door open and so much dust and junk was constantly billowing out of the door you couldn't even see in! The men that worked in here were black from head to toe, even though they wore masks. One friend in particular, Brandon, walked up to his wife, who was painting in the next room, and when she saw him she screamed and jumped! It was hilarious!!! These guys are so great and I am so thankful to them and for them because they diligently did the grosses job ever! (though I think many of them loved getting to destroy some one else's stuff! haha. Our other friend, Brian, has been telling us for weeks he is ready to tear down anything we will let him get his hands on! haha. All of us ladies (and some men) primed and painted the rooms. We got so much done in just the first day, it was amazing! Last night a lot of the same folks came out and helped us finish up the paint.... well, except in the front room... we are pretending it's not there until we know what to do with it... you'll see what I mean....
I thought about waiting and doing before, during and after pics all together, but that's too easy... you need to see it now I think so you can hold your breath with us to hope for great "after" pics in the weeks to come! This weekend we're sanding and re-staining floors....
**WARNING**
Some of the pictures that follow may be upsetting/worrisome to certain parental units... look with caution! =)
before
during (at least we found the fireplace?!)
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Cookies!!
Lately I've been feeling a little blah. I think all the changes going on in my life are just overwhelming my emotions at the moment. Nothing will be wrong at all and then in the blink of an eye I'll be gushing tears without an end in sight.
1. We're moving and we've had a slight hiccup with our loan... but the Lord is working through it and we are ending up with a much better rate but with a later closing date (which will put a little stress on all the things we have to get done).
2. I got a new job and it's going really well but for some reason jobs always unnerve me a little. It's hard to get your bearings and no one likes that feeling where you have no clue what you are doing! My boss has been so patient and I've been coming along well in everything assigned to me, but I still get tense about it an hour before I have to be there every time.
3. I think the Lord is doing a little late spring cleaning in my heart and I'm just having to evaluate a lot of things inside of me... thoughts, memories etc etc... moving seems to churn these things up.
But don't be alarmed, everything is still great! There's just been a lot of deep reflecting and some tension.. but all over blessings!
So, one of my favorite ways to de-stress or to think things through is to BAKE! I love baking.
I love knowing that what I make will make other people happy.
I love the thought of friends sitting around munching on something sweet and sharing fellowship together.
I love creating something from a bunch of random ingredients.
I just love to bake (I get it from my mom who is an amazing baker and cook!)
One of my big downfalls though is sharing my recipes... it's hard for my sinful self to want to give away recipes that people love because then they will make them and people won't be so impressed when I make them. I told you it was silly.
So, here is a recipe that I refused to share with anyone in college or anywhere and I am taking a huge leap into generosity and sharing it with you all
OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
1c unsalted butter
1c brown sugar
1c white or cane sugar
1tsp vanilla
2 eggs
2c flour (I use half white and half wheat)
1tsp baking soda
1tsp baking powder
1/2tsp salt
3-4c oatmeal (not instant)
1pk chocolate chips
mix together softened butter with both sugars and vanilla. add eggs and stir. add dry ingredients.
Drew doesn't really like the chocolate chips so I add 31/2 to 4c of oatmeal and 1tsp cinnamon to make them into just oatmeal cookies... and they are super tasty! However, if you add the chips use only 3c or less depending on how much you like oatmeal. You can also add nuts if you wish.
Using 1c of wheat flour doesn't seem to change the taste at all of the oatmeal cookies... so I would try it! Oatmeal + Wheat flour = healthy (right?)!
Enjoy and make sure to give me a hug the next time you see me and thank me for my generosity! haha just kiiiidddding!
1. We're moving and we've had a slight hiccup with our loan... but the Lord is working through it and we are ending up with a much better rate but with a later closing date (which will put a little stress on all the things we have to get done).
2. I got a new job and it's going really well but for some reason jobs always unnerve me a little. It's hard to get your bearings and no one likes that feeling where you have no clue what you are doing! My boss has been so patient and I've been coming along well in everything assigned to me, but I still get tense about it an hour before I have to be there every time.
3. I think the Lord is doing a little late spring cleaning in my heart and I'm just having to evaluate a lot of things inside of me... thoughts, memories etc etc... moving seems to churn these things up.
But don't be alarmed, everything is still great! There's just been a lot of deep reflecting and some tension.. but all over blessings!
So, one of my favorite ways to de-stress or to think things through is to BAKE! I love baking.
I love knowing that what I make will make other people happy.
I love the thought of friends sitting around munching on something sweet and sharing fellowship together.
I love creating something from a bunch of random ingredients.
I just love to bake (I get it from my mom who is an amazing baker and cook!)
One of my big downfalls though is sharing my recipes... it's hard for my sinful self to want to give away recipes that people love because then they will make them and people won't be so impressed when I make them. I told you it was silly.
So, here is a recipe that I refused to share with anyone in college or anywhere and I am taking a huge leap into generosity and sharing it with you all
OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
1c unsalted butter
1c brown sugar
1c white or cane sugar
1tsp vanilla
2 eggs
2c flour (I use half white and half wheat)
1tsp baking soda
1tsp baking powder
1/2tsp salt
3-4c oatmeal (not instant)
1pk chocolate chips
mix together softened butter with both sugars and vanilla. add eggs and stir. add dry ingredients.
Drew doesn't really like the chocolate chips so I add 31/2 to 4c of oatmeal and 1tsp cinnamon to make them into just oatmeal cookies... and they are super tasty! However, if you add the chips use only 3c or less depending on how much you like oatmeal. You can also add nuts if you wish.
Using 1c of wheat flour doesn't seem to change the taste at all of the oatmeal cookies... so I would try it! Oatmeal + Wheat flour = healthy (right?)!
Enjoy and make sure to give me a hug the next time you see me and thank me for my generosity! haha just kiiiidddding!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Hungry?
I love to cook.
I love to eat.
I don't know why I don't post more about what we cook and eat around here!
So, I am starting my new adventure with my new favorite summer food. Quick, easy, cheap and healthy!
Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Carrots and Low Fat Feta Cheese tossed with a little balsamic dressing= yummm!
Here I ate it partly as a salad and partly in a lightly oiled and salted warm whole wheat pita! mmmmm hmmmm
I don't have pictures but I've also been in a cobbler mood lately, I totally have wimped out about it but even my whimpy version was super tasty and pretty healthy as desserts go....
Line the bottom of a greased casserole dish (large or small) with 1 pie crust (trim the edges)
Bake at 375 degrees until just turning crisp... about 10 minutes
While that's in the oven combine 2 bags of your favorite fruit (approx 4 cups)... we've been using the mixed berry
Add 1/3-1/4c OJ
1/4c sugar (or more depending on how tart you like it... this will keep it really tart)
A dash of cinnamon (or a lot of dashes... again, personal taste)
a few dashes of pumpkin pie spice (or nutmeg and cloves if you have those on hand)
about 1T of corn starch or I think flour would work
mixmixmix together
Put in pie dish on top of crisped crust
You can put the other crust on top normally or you can do like me and weave strips over the top and sprinkle with cinn. sugar!
Bake 40 minutes or until top is crispy at 375 and serve with vanilla ice cream!
Last for today... Kale
We've been getting a lot of Kale due to our farm co op thingy... so I've learned a few tricks for Kale.
Boil the kale before you do anything with it 99% of the time (including sautee)
If you boil the kale you can cut it up into little pieces and put it in rice, potatoes, pasta etc etc with out having much strong flavor come out of it and with allll the nutrients included!
You can also make Kale Chips!
Combine washed kale with 1T of olive oil and place on a large baking stone or cooking sheet and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake at 375 degrees for 7 minutes on each side
I think they taste like fried okra.... by far the best way we've had it.
So go buy you some kale because it's one of the best veggies for you and it's in season!
coming up next time: zucchini bread
I love to eat.
I don't know why I don't post more about what we cook and eat around here!
So, I am starting my new adventure with my new favorite summer food. Quick, easy, cheap and healthy!
Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Carrots and Low Fat Feta Cheese tossed with a little balsamic dressing= yummm!
Here I ate it partly as a salad and partly in a lightly oiled and salted warm whole wheat pita! mmmmm hmmmm
I don't have pictures but I've also been in a cobbler mood lately, I totally have wimped out about it but even my whimpy version was super tasty and pretty healthy as desserts go....
Line the bottom of a greased casserole dish (large or small) with 1 pie crust (trim the edges)
Bake at 375 degrees until just turning crisp... about 10 minutes
While that's in the oven combine 2 bags of your favorite fruit (approx 4 cups)... we've been using the mixed berry
Add 1/3-1/4c OJ
1/4c sugar (or more depending on how tart you like it... this will keep it really tart)
A dash of cinnamon (or a lot of dashes... again, personal taste)
a few dashes of pumpkin pie spice (or nutmeg and cloves if you have those on hand)
about 1T of corn starch or I think flour would work
mixmixmix together
Put in pie dish on top of crisped crust
You can put the other crust on top normally or you can do like me and weave strips over the top and sprinkle with cinn. sugar!
Bake 40 minutes or until top is crispy at 375 and serve with vanilla ice cream!
Last for today... Kale
We've been getting a lot of Kale due to our farm co op thingy... so I've learned a few tricks for Kale.
Boil the kale before you do anything with it 99% of the time (including sautee)
If you boil the kale you can cut it up into little pieces and put it in rice, potatoes, pasta etc etc with out having much strong flavor come out of it and with allll the nutrients included!
You can also make Kale Chips!
Combine washed kale with 1T of olive oil and place on a large baking stone or cooking sheet and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake at 375 degrees for 7 minutes on each side
I think they taste like fried okra.... by far the best way we've had it.
So go buy you some kale because it's one of the best veggies for you and it's in season!
coming up next time: zucchini bread
Saturday, June 21, 2008
That'll work!
Well, well I finally got a job. I'm not sure if I should be happy or depressed. It is really not a bad gig if you can get it to just not work... but most people can't get it. I sure did enjoy it while it lasted.
In all reality this job is only about 10 hours a week, so I don't think I'll die or anything.
Drew didn't really even tell me to get a job but I sort of figured that since we are buying a house that a little extra cash would be nice. So I was just casually applying to places as I found them and nothing was really working out.
Finally I got an interview with a Financial Advisor who needed an assistant and after a few hours of interviewing I got the job. And, it turns out that I know and go to church with his daughter! Smallll world!
So I interviewed on Wednesday and Friday was my first day. I actually rather enjoyed myself... well for it being a job. I imagine that working for this man is similar to what other people feel like when they work for my dad. He is a middle aged business man with grown kids and he is very direct and likes things done right (his right specifically) but is friendly and Christian and cracks a few jokes. At first I was a little scared of the directness but after my first day of work I think I prefer it. He doesn't leave things vague, he knows how he wants it done and will teach you and be patient with you while you figure out how to do it. He's fair.
I only worked 4 hours and I was hopping the whole time. Especially b/c everything I did was completely new to me, it took me a little longer to do each task. All in all I felt pretty confident when I left that I will be able to stay busy in this job and hopefully be helpful and earn a few extra dollars.
There is another secretary right beside my desk and she has been working for her bosses for 20+ years or so and is eager to help, so I hope that we can be friends and that she will be able to help me understand all this. Also the girls in the front office of the place are reallllly helpful in figuring out things like the amazing printer. You can scan in a document and email it to yourself all from the printer!!! It's pretty high tech!
My boss also used to be a trustee at the Seminary and is still on a board or two over there and does a lot with the top professors... so that is neat!
In other news, Drew also just got a new job. He just got promoted!!! He is now Marketing Manager for ALL of Kentucky Car Sales! WOO HOO. He is such a stud. I am pretty sure that makes him Mr. Lewis now. We are so excited because he will have a little more flexibility in this job and won't just be sitting behind the desk. They told him he is now the "Face of Enterprise". And a pretty good looking face if I do say so myself! He is really excited and has already been having brain storming sessions with his boss, who we also really love. Now he is not really over any one but no one except this boss we really like, is over him. I am so proud of him and so grateful to the Lord for sustaining him and giving him favor at erac. He was starting to really fizzle in car sales (as far as enjoyment goes) and the Lord is so faithful to bring something new along for him.
We have no idea where the Lord is taking us but so far it seems that he realllly wants Drew at erac... b/c no matter how hard we have tried nothing else has worked out and erac keeps promoting him!
I bet my mom and dad never thought their son-in-law would end up climbing the latter in a suit! When he asked permission to marry me their big question mark was that he didn't have a career in mind. We are both still open to ministry ideas like family camping and missions but it has been made clear to us that if that is in our future it is just that... future.
We celebrated last night at a neat Italian place where we split a salad with green apples, craisins, gorgonzola cheese and lettuce in a light vinaigrette. Then we had salmon with pesto cream sauce and broccoli. yummmmm Then he got me a new pair of running shorts and some weights. (we are training for a half marathon)
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